Toulouse and Bordeaux are playing outstanding rugby. Both won by over 50 points, playing an offloading game that destroys defensive organisation. To play in this way, you need fast reaction times and quickness; then it’s acceleration and pure speed. It is a great spectacle to watch.
This style of play requires team mobility. All 15 players must be on the move for the entire game. Additionally, the game will be safer and more appealing to schools and spectators when it is played this way.
In a recent Champions League football match between Barcelona and Newcastle, Barcelona scored seven goals. On occasion, the ball moved quickly and accurately from player to player. Toulouse and Bordeaux play similarly, keeping the ball moving until an opportunity arises, and the quick players take over. Bordeaux has risen from the depths of the French second division and has drawn crowds of over 30,000 at every home game for the last two seasons.
The draw for the quarter finals sees Bordeaux play Toulouse, Bath play Northampton, Glasgow play Toulon, and Leinster play Sale. It is hard to look beyond four home wins, but Toulouse and Toulon may prove me wrong.
Nothing to report on the England national coach Stuart Borthwick drama other than it will run through the end of April before a decision is announced.
In contrast, Dave Rennie, the new All-Blacks coach, has settled on a new backroom staff, retaining only forwards coach Ryan from the Robertson era. Kiwi teams dominate Super Rugby Pacifica, and with some young, exciting forwards emerging, I have a feeling that they may win the 2027 World Cup. At some places, you can get 5 to 1.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.